“Hey, wait a minute! What happened to all the gay rights news you used to write about?”
I’ve been hearing that a lot. And I’m sorry. Ever since I called for The Great Nationwide Kiss-In! just two weeks ago, I’ve been working my you-know-what off to get it up and running. And I have to say, if it weren’t for David Mailloux and Willow Witte, I’d have thrown in the towel. They’re doing an amazing job coordinating all the different cities that are popping up daily. Daily! My partner, Caleb Eigsti, is helping me organize the New York City event. He’s amazing. Without him, I don’t know what I’d do!
Right now, we have two dozen cities that are in the works for Kiss-Ins! We literally have people asking every day if they can organize ones in their city or town. I have to say I am absolutely amazed at the passion, vision, and sheer get-up-and-go these fine folks across this country have demonstrated. I cannot thank them enough!
Our message is simple: We want all couples – gay and straight – to feel comfortable, safe, and secure in kissing their loved one, without fear of harassment, intimidation, or incarceration, unlike the three same-sex couples who recently have been harassed and/or arrested for kissing in public.
The Kiss-In is going well. We’ve a little less than three week to pull it off. And every day brings me heart-warming news that makes me want to work even harder to make this a huge success.
So, forgive me while I throw my energy and attention to help make it just a little easier to hold hands with your loved-one as you walk down the street, kiss him or her hello or goodbye at the train station, or hug each other after a long day at work.
Homophobia exists because we let it. And the best way to erradicate it is to be good role models. So, join the Kiss-In in your town. Show the world that the earth won’t stop turning if gays and lesbians kiss or hold hands in public. Help them see that we’re just people, and that a kiss is just a kiss.
I’ll keep on writing, perhaps just not at the same rate, but know that I am still here!